Microvascular reactivity measured by vascular occlusion test is an independent predictor for postoperative bleeding in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

The purpose of the study is to investigate the relationship between microvascular reactivity and postoperative bleeding in cardiac surgery. The authors retrospectively analyzed a prospectively collected registry of cardiac surgery patients. Data from 154 patients enrolled in the registry were analyzed. A linear mixed model was performed to evaluate the association between the amount of postoperative chest tube output (CTO, milliliter, repeatedly measured at 0-8, 8-24, and 24-48 h) and tissue oxygen saturation (StO2) recovery slope (%/s) measured by vascular occlusion test (VOT) at skin closure. A logistic regression was carried out to see the relationship between StO2 recovery slope and packed red blood cell (PRBC) transfusion during the 48-h postoperative period. In the multivariable adjusted model, the effect of StO2 recovery slope on postoperative CTO (log-transformed) was statistically significant, and the degree of StO2 recovery slope was inversely related to the amount of CTO (exp(estimate) = 0.935; exp(95% CI) 0.881-0.992; p = 0.027). StO2 recovery slope was also inversely associated with postoperative PRBC transfusion possibility (OR = 0.795; 95% CI 0.633-0.998; p = 0.048). Microvascular reactivity measured by VOT is independently and inversely associated with postoperative bleeding in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

Effect-site concentration of remifentanil required to blunt haemodynamic responses during tracheal intubation: A randomized comparison between single- and double-lumen tubes.

Objective To investigate the effect-site concentration of remifentanil required to blunt haemodynamic responses during tracheal intubation with a single-lumen tube (SLT) or a double-lumen tube (DLT). Methods Patients scheduled for thoracic surgery requiring one-lung ventilation were randomly allocated to either the SLT or DLT group. All patients received a target-controlled infusion of propofol and a predetermined concentration of remifentanil. Haemodynamic parameters during intubation were recorded. The effect-site concentration of remifentanil was determined using a delayed up-and-down sequential allocation method. Results A total of 92 patients were enrolled in the study. The effective effect-site concentrations of remifentanil required to blunt haemodynamic responses in 50% of patients (EC50) estimated by isotonic regression with bootstrapping was higher in the DLT than the SLT group (8.5 ng/ml [95% confidence interval (CI) 8.0-9.5 ng/ml] versus 6.5 ng/ml [95% CI 5.6-6.7 ng/ml], respectively). Similarly, the effective effect-site concentrations of remifentanil in 95% of patients in the DLT group was higher than the SLT group (9.9 ng/ml [95% CI 9.8-10.0 ng/ml] versus 7.0 ng/ml [95% CI 6.9-7.0 ng/ml], respectively). Conclusions This study demonstrated that a DLT requires a 30% higher EC50 of remifentanil than does an SLT to blunt haemodynamic responses during tracheal intubation when combined with a target-controlled infusion of propofol. Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT01542099.

Effects of calcium chloride coadministered with neostigmine on neuromuscular blockade recovery: A double-blind randomised study.

BACKGROUND: Ionised calcium plays an important role in neuromuscular transmission, but its effects on the reversal of nondepolarising neuromuscular blockade have not been fully evaluated. OBJECTIVE: We examined whether calcium chloride coadministered with neostigmine could enhance the rate of neuromuscular recovery. DESIGN: Randomised double-blind trial. SETTING: A tertiary teaching hospital. PATIENTS: In total, 53 patients undergoing elective surgery under general anaesthesia with neuromuscular monitoring by acceleromyography using a TOF-Watch SX monitor. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were randomly allocated to receive either 5 mg kg of calcium chloride (calcium group, n = 26) or the same volume of normal saline (control group, n = 27) coadministered with 25 µg kg of neostigmine and 15 µg kg of atropine at the end of surgery. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary end point was the neuromuscular recovery time [time from neostigmine administration to recovery of the TOF ratio (TOFr) to 0.9]. Secondary end points included the TOFr at 5, 10 and 20 min after neostigmine administration and the incidence of postoperative residual curarisation (PORC), defined as a TOFr less than 0.9 at each time point. RESULTS: The neuromuscular recovery time was significantly faster in the calcium group than in the control group (median [Q1 to Q3]; 5.0 [3.0 to 7.0] vs. 6.7 [5.7 to 10.0] min, respectively; P = 0.007). At 5 min after neostigmine administration, the TOFr was higher [87 (74 to 100) vs. 68 (51 to 81)%, respectively; P = 0.002] and the incidence of PORC was lower (50.0 vs. 81.5%, respectively; P = 0.016) in the calcium group than in the control group. There were no differences between the two groups with respect to the TOFr or incidence of PORC at 10 and 20 min after neostigmine administration. CONCLUSION: Calcium chloride coadministered with neostigmine enhanced neuromuscular recovery in the early period of nondepolarising neuromuscular blockade reversal.

Intrathecal morphine for postoperative pain control following robot-assisted prostatectomy: a prospective randomized trial.

PURPOSE: Robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) is minimally invasive surgery, but also causes moderate to severe pain during the immediate postoperative period. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of intrathecal morphine (ITM) for postoperative pain control in patients undergoing RALP. METHODS: Thirty patients scheduled for RALP were randomly assigned into one of two groups. In the ITM group (n = 15), postoperative pain was managed using 300 µg intrathecal morphine with intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (IV-PCA). In the IV-PCA group (n = 15), only intravenous patient-controlled analgesia was used. The numerical pain score (NPS; 0 = no pain, 100 = worst pain imaginable), postoperative IV-PCA requirements and opioid-related complications including nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headache and pruritus were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The NPSs on coughing were 20 (IQR 10-50) in the ITM group and 60 (IQR 40-80) in the IV-PCA group at postoperative 24 h (p = 0.001). The NPSs were significantly lower in the ITM group up to postoperative 24 h. The ITM group showed less morphine consumption at postoperative 24 h in the ITM group than in the IV-PCA group [5 (IQR 3-15) mg vs 17 (IQR 11-24) mg, p = 0.001]. Complications associated with morphine were comparable between the two groups and respiratory depression was not reported in either group. CONCLUSION: Intrathecal morphine provided more satisfactory analgesia without serious complications during the early postoperative period in patients undergoing RALP.

Preoperative Serum Alkaline Phosphatase and Clinical Outcome of Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is related to vascular calcification. In a recent study on percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with a drug-eluting stent, higher ALP was associated with poor clinical outcomes in terms of mortality, myocardial infarction, and stent thrombosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between preoperative ALP and clinical outcome of off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery (OPCAB).Methods and Results:We retrospectively enrolled and reviewed a total of 1,335 patients who underwent OPCAB. Patients were divided into tertiles based on preoperative serum ALP (<60, 60-76, and >76 IU/L). As preoperative ALP increased, the HR of mortality remained constant after adjusting for confounders. On Cox proportional hazards regression analysis, there was no association between ALP and all-cause mortality. The adjusted HR for all-cause mortality for the middle tertile was 0.882 (95% CI: 0.592-1.314, P=0.537), and 0.915 (95% CI: 0.605-1.383, P=0.672) for the highest tertile. In addition, no associations between ALP and cardiovascular mortality, myocardial infarction, revascularization, or major adverse cardiac events were found. CONCLUSIONS: Unlike after PCI, high ALP is not related to adverse clinical events, such as mortality, myocardial infarction, or revascularization after OPCAB. ALP might be considered when determining the optimal revascularization technique.

Effect of desflurane-remifentanil vs. Propofol-remifentanil anesthesia on arterial oxygenation during one-lung ventilation for thoracoscopic surgery: a prospective randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: One-lung ventilation during thoracic surgery frequently disturbs normal systemic oxygenation. However, the effect of anesthetics on arterial oxygenation during one-lung ventilation has not been well established in human study. In this clinical trial, we investigated whether a difference between desflurane-remifentanil and propofol-remifentanil anesthesia can be observed with regard to oxygenation during one-lung ventilation for thoracoscopic surgery. METHODS: Adult patients with lung cancer, scheduled for video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy without preoperative oxygen support, were screened and randomized to receive desflurane or propofol, with remifentanil continuous infusion in both groups. Mechanical ventilation was performed with tidal volume of 8 ml/kg and FIO2 0.5 during two-lung ventilation, and 6 ml/kg and 1.0 during one-lung ventilation, both with positive end-expiratory pressure of 5 cmH2O. Arterial blood gas analysis was performed preoperatively, during two-lung ventilation, and after 15, 30, 45, and 60 min of one-lung ventilation. The primary endpoint was PaO2 at 30 min after initiating one-lung ventilation. Statistical analyses included the independent t-test for the primary endpoint and a mixed model with a post-hoc analysis to evaluate the serial changes in values. RESULTS: Patients were recruited between July 9 and December 2, 2014. In total, 103 patients were analyzed (n = 52 in desflurane group and n = 51 in propofol group). The primary endpoint, PaO2 at 30 min of one-lung ventilation was lower in the desflurane group than the propofol group (170 ± 72 vs. 202 ± 82 mmHg; p = 0.039). Serial changes in PaO2 during one-lung ventilation showed lower levels during desflurane anesthesia compared with propofol anesthesia (mean difference, 45 mmHg; 95% confidence interval, 16-75 mmHg; p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, desflurane-remifentanil anesthesia resulted in decreased arterial oxygenation compared with that of propofol-remifentanil anesthesia during one-lung ventilation for thoracoscopic surgery in patients with lung cancer. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02191371 , registered on July 7, 2014.

Long-term clinical outcomes of Remote Ischemic Preconditioning and Postconditioning Outcome (RISPO) trial in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

BACKGROUND: Remote ischemic conditioning has been shown to confer myocardial protection. However, there is still no sufficient data on its long-term clinical outcomes. We analyzed the long-term results of the Remote Ischemic Preconditioning and Postconditioning Outcome (RISPO) trial in cardiac surgery patients. METHODS: In the RISPO trial, 1280 patients were randomized to receive remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) with postconditioning (RIPostC, upper arm ischemia by four cycles of 5-min inflation followed by 5-min deflation of a pneumatic cuff, N=644) or sham (N=636) during cardiac surgery. Patient follow-up data were collected by review of medical records, telephone interviews, and from the National Statistical Office. The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE; a composite of all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, and revascularization), and the secondary endpoints were the individual components of the primary endpoint. RESULTS: At completion of follow-up (mean 44months), there was no difference in MACCE between the groups (90 [14.0%] versus 101 [15.9%] in the RIPC with RIPostC versus control groups; hazard ratio [HR], 0.893; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.672-1.187; P=0.435). However, MI was reduced to half in the RIPC with RIPostC group (10 [1.6%] versus 23 [3.6%]; HR, 0.468; 95% CI, 0.222-0.984; P=0.045). CONCLUSIONS: Remote ischemic preconditioning with RIPostC did not improve long-term MACCE after cardiac surgery. However, MI was reduced in the RIPC with RIPostC group compared with the control group during the follow-up period. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier, NCT00997217.

Microcirculation measured by vascular occlusion test during desflurane-remifentanil anesthesia is superior to that in propofol-remifentanil anesthesia in patients undergoing thoracic surgery: subgroup analysis of a prospective randomized study.

General anesthesia can affect microcirculatory properties. However, differential effects on the microcirculation according to the anesthetic technique used during thoracoscopic surgery have not been well documented. We conducted a randomized clinical trial in which the effects of desflurane and propofol, both with remifentanil, on systemic arterial oxygenation during one-lung ventilation were compared in patients undergoing thoracoscopic surgery. As a subgroup analysis, we compared the effects of two commonly used anesthetic techniques, desflurane-remifentanil (n = 52) and propofol-remifentanil (n = 48), on tissue oxygen saturation using a vascular occlusion test in patients undergoing thoracoscopic surgery. Tissue oxygen saturation was higher in the desflurane than the propofol group (mean ± standard deviation, 83 ± 6 vs. 80 ± 9, 84 ± 6 vs. 76 ± 10, and 87 ± 7 vs. 77 ± 10 % at 30 and 60 min of one-lung ventilation and at two-lung ventilation; adjusted p = 0.026, <0.001, and <0.001, respectively). The recovery slope during the vascular occlusion test, reflecting microvascular reperfusion adequacy, was higher in the desflurane than the propofol group during surgery (mean difference, 0.5 %/s; 95 % CI 0.0-0.9 %/s; p = 0.037). Desflurane-remifentanil anesthesia is associated with better microcirculation than propofol-remifentanil anesthesia in patients undergoing thoracoscopic surgery.

Effects of delayed remote ischemic preconditioning on peri-operative myocardial injury in patients undergoing cardiac surgery - A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) has two time windows for organ protection: acute and delayed. Previous studies have mainly focused on the acute time window to evaluate organ protection by RIPC. We evaluated myocardial protection by delayed RIPC in adult patients undergoing cardiac surgery. METHODS: A total of 160 adult patients undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass were randomized to receive either delayed RIPC (four cycles of 5min of ischemia followed by 5min of reperfusion by inflation to 200mmHg and deflation of a blood pressure cuff on the upper arm) or the control treatment 24-48h before surgery. The primary endpoint was post-operative troponin I levels serially measured for 72h. Secondary endpoints included post-operative serum creatinine levels, acute kidney injury, and composite complications. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in post-operative troponin I values. The incidence of acute kidney injury, defined by the Acute Kidney Injury Network staging system, was lower in the delayed RIPC group compared to the control group (30.0% vs. 47.5%; relative risk, 0.768; 95% confidence interval, 0.599-0.985; p=0.023). Moreover, the occurrence of composite complications was lower in the delayed RIPC group compared with the control group (65.0% vs. 81.3%; relative risk, 0.536; 95% confidence interval, 0.311-0.924; p=0.020). CONCLUSIONS: While RIPC did not provide cardioprotective effects in patients undergoing cardiac surgery, it appeared to reduce acute kidney injury, as well as the rate of composite complications.

Influence of high-dose intraoperative remifentanil with intravenous ibuprofen on postoperative morphine consumption in patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy: a randomized trial.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: High-dose remifentanil during surgery paradoxically increases postoperative pain intensity and morphine consumption. Cyclooxygenase inhibitors decrease prostaglandin synthesis, thereby antagonizing N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor activation, and may reduce hyperalgesia. This study was performed to evaluate whether postoperative morphine consumption increased following intraoperative continuous remifentanil infusion and whether this could be prevented by intravenous ibuprofen pretreatment. DESIGN: A randomized controlled study. SETTING: Single university hospital, study period from September 2014 to March 2015. PATIENTS: One hundred and twenty patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy. INTERVENTIONS: After induction of anesthesia, patients received remifentanil target-controlled infusion (effect site concentration of 4 ng/mL or 1 ng/mL) with or without intravenous ibuprofen (800 mg). MEASUREMENTS: Postoperative cumulative total morphine consumption and pain intensity were assessed. MAIN RESULTS: Intraoperative remifentanil use in patients receiving high-dose remifentanil was more than 3-fold higher than that in patients receiving low-dose remifentanil (2666.8 ± 858.4 vs 872.0 ± 233.3 µg, respectively; P< .001). However, cumulative total morphine consumption at postoperative 1, 3, 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours did not differ among the groups. There were no differences among the groups in the self-administered analgesic dose by the patients using a controlled analgesia device, number of self-administration attempts, numerical rating scale for pain, or analgesic side effects. CONCLUSIONS: We found no influence on postoperative pain after high-dose remifentanil in patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy. Addition of intravenous ibuprofen did not reduce postoperative morphine consumption or pain intensity.

Effect of ramosetron on QTc interval: a randomised controlled trial in patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery.

BACKGROUND: Ramosetron is a relatively new 5-hydroxytryptamine three receptor antagonist with higher binding affinity and more prolonged duration of action compared to ondansetron. The present study was performed to evaluate the effects of ramosetron on QTc interval and possible cardiovascular adverse effects in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. METHOD: A total of 114 patients who underwent off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery were enrolled in this randomised placebo-controlled trial. Patients were allocated into two groups that received intravenous injection of 0.3 mg ramosetron or normal saline during induction of anaesthesia. QTc intervals were measured before the operation, intraoperatively (0, 1, 2, 3, 5, 10, 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, 120, and 240 min after injection of ramosetron or normal saline), at the end of the operation, and on postoperative day 1. RESULTS: There were no differences in mean QTc interval between groups at every time point. However, maximal change in QTc interval during surgery was higher in the ramosetron group than the placebo group (25.1 ± 22.0 vs. 17.5 ± 14.5 ms, 95 % CI 0.34-14.78, P = 0.040). Also, there were more patients with a QTc interval increase of > 60 ms in the ramosetron group (5 vs. 0, 95 % CI 1.6-18.0, P = 0.021). There were no significant differences in cardiovascular complications. CONCLUSIONS: Ramosetron administered during induction of anaesthesia may affect maximal change in QTc interval during off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery. Ramosetron should be used with caution in high risk patients for developing Torsades de Pointes. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02139241. Registered November 12, 2013.

Influence of Mechanical Ventilation on the Incidence of Pneumothorax During Infraclavicular Subclavian Vein Catheterization: A Prospective Randomized Noninferiority Trial.

BACKGROUND: It remains unclear whether we have to interrupt mechanical ventilation during infraclavicular subclavian venous catheterization. In practice, the clinicians' choice about lung deflation depends on their own discretion. The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of mechanical ventilation on the incidence of pneumothorax during infraclavicular subclavian venous catheterization. METHODS: A total of 332 patients, who needed subclavian venous catheterization, were randomly assigned to 1 of the 2 groups: catheterizations were performed with the patients' lungs under mechanical ventilation (ventilation group, n = 165) or without mechanical ventilation (deflation group, n = 167). The incidences of pneumothorax and other complications such as arterial puncture, hemothorax, or catheter misplacements and the success rate of catheterization were compared. RESULTS: The incidences of pneumothorax were 0% (0/165) in the ventilation group and 0.6% (1/167) in the deflation group. The incidence of pneumothorax in the deflation group was 0.6% higher than that in the ventilation group and the 2-sided 90% confidence interval for the difference was (-1.29% to 3.44%). Because the lower bound for the 2-sided 90% confidence interval, -1.29%, was higher than the predefined noninferiority margin of -3%, the inferiority of the ventilation group over the deflation group was rejected at the .05 level of significance. Other complication rates and success rates of catheterization were comparable between 2 groups. The oxygen saturation dropped below 95% in 9 patients in the deflation group, while none in the ventilation group (P = .007). CONCLUSIONS: The success and complication rates were similar regardless of mechanical ventilation. During infraclavicular subclavian venous catheterization, interruption of mechanical ventilation does not seem to be necessary for the prevention of pneumothorax.

Effect of Prewarming during Induction of Anesthesia on Microvascular Reactivity in Patients Undergoing Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: General anesthesia may induce inadvertent hypothermia and this may be related to perioperative cardiovascular complications. Microvascular reactivity, measured by the recovery slope during a vascular occlusion test, is decreased during surgery and is also related to postoperative clinical outcomes. We hypothesized that microvascular changes during surgery may be related to intraoperative hypothermia. To evaluate this, we conducted a randomized study in patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery, in which the effect of prewarming on microvascular reactivity was evaluated. METHODS: Patients scheduled for off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery were screened. Enrolled patients were randomized to the prewarming group to receive forced-air warming during induction of anesthesia or to the control group. Measurement of core and skin temperatures and vascular occlusion test were conducted before anesthesia induction, 1, 2, and 3 h after induction, and at the end of surgery. RESULTS: In total, 40 patients were enrolled and finished the study (n = 20 in the prewarming group and n = 20 in the control group). During the first 3 h of anesthesia, core temperature was higher in the prewarming group than the control group (p < 0.001). The number of patients developing hypothermia was lower in the prewarming group than the control group (4/20 vs. 13/20, p = 0.004). However, tissue oxygen saturation and changes in recovery slope following a vascular occlusion test at 3 h after anesthesia induction did not differ between the groups. There was no difference in clinical outcome, including perioperative transfusion, wound infection, or hospital stay, between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Prewarming during induction of anesthesia decreased intraoperative hypothermia, but did not reduce the deterioration in microvascular reactivity in patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02186210.

Pulmonary Protective Effects of Remote Ischaemic Preconditioning with Postconditioning in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery Involving Cardiopulmonary Bypass: A Substudy of the Remote Ischaemic Preconditioning with Postconditioning Outcome trial.

BACKGROUND: The RISPO (Remote Ischemic Preconditioning with Postconditioning Outcome) trial evaluated whether remote ischaemic preconditioning (RIPC) combined with remote ischaemic postconditioning (RIPostC) improves the clinical outcomes of patients undergoing cardiac surgery. This substudy of the RISPO trial aimed to evaluate the effect of RIPC with RIPostC on pulmonary function in patients undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). METHODS: Sixty-five patients were enrolled (32: control and 33: RIPC-RIPostC). In the RIPC-RIPostC group, four cycles of 5min ischaemia and 5min reperfusion were administered before and after CPB to the upper limb. Peri-operative PaO2/FIO2 ratio, intra-operative pulmonary shunt, and dynamic and static lung compliance were determined. RESULTS: The mean PaO2/ FIO2 was significantly higher in the RIPC-RIPostC group at 24h after surgery [290 (96) vs. 387 (137), p=0.001]. The incidence of mechanical ventilation for longer than 48h was significantly higher in the control group (23% vs. 3%, p<0.05). However, there were no significant differences in other pulmonary profiles, post-operative mechanical ventilation time, and duration of intensive care unit stay. CONCLUSIONS: In our study, RIPC-RIPostC improved the post-operative 24h PaO2/FIO2 ratio. Remote ischaemic preconditioning-Remote ischaemic postconditioning has limited and delayed pulmonary protective effects in cardiac surgery patients with CPB.

Comparison of cardiac output measures by transpulmonary thermodilution, pulse contour analysis, and pulmonary artery thermodilution during off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery: a subgroup analysis of the cardiovascular anaesthesia registry at a single tertiary centre.

Cardiac output measurement has a long history in haemodynamic management and many devices are now available with varying levels of accuracy. The purpose of the study was to compare the agreement and trending abilities of cardiac output, as measured by transpulmonary thermodilution and calibrated pulse contour analysis, using the VolumeView™ system, continuous thermodilution via a pulmonary artery catheter, and uncalibrated pulse contour analysis, using FloTrac™ with pulmonary artery bolus thermodilution. Twenty patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery using a pulmonary artery catheter and the VolumeView™ and FloTrac™ systems were included in this subgroup analysis of the cardiovascular anaesthesia registry at a single tertiary centre. During surgery, cardiac output was assessed after the induction of anaesthesia, after sternotomy, during the harvesting of grafts, during revascularization of the anterior and posterior/lateral wall, after protamine infusion, and after sternal fixation. In total, 145 sets of measurements were evaluated using Bland-Altman with % error calculation, correlation, concordance, and polar plot analyses. The percentage error (bias, limits of agreement) was 12.6 % (-0.12, -0.64 to 0.41 L/min), 26.7 % (-0.38, -1.50 to 0.74 L/min), 29.3 % (-0.08, -1.32 to 1.15 L/min), and 33.8 % (-0.05, -1.47 to 1.37 L/min) for transpulmonary thermodilution, pulmonary artery continuous thermodilution, calibrated, and uncalibrated pulse contour analysis, respectively, compared with pulmonary artery bolus thermodilution. All pairs of measurements showed significant correlations (p < 0.001), whereas only transpulmonary thermodilution revealed trending ability (concordance rate of 95.1 %, angular bias of 1.33°, and radial limits of agreement of 28.71°) compared with pulmonary artery bolus thermodilution. Transpulmonary thermodilution using the VolumeView™ system provides reliable data on cardiac output measurement and tracking the changes thereof when compared with pulmonary artery bolus thermodilution in patients with preserved cardiac function during off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery. Trial registration NCT01713192 (ClinicalTrials.gov).

Tissue microcirculation measured by vascular occlusion test during anesthesia induction.

Tissue microcirculation measured by vascular occlusion test is impaired during septic shock. However, it has not been investigated extensively during anesthesia induction. The aim of the study is to evaluate tissue microcirculation during anesthesia induction. We hypothesized that during anesthesia induction, tissue microcirculation measured by vascular occlusion test might be enhanced with peripheral vasodilation during anesthesia induction. We conducted a prospective observational study of 50 adult patients undergoing cardiac surgery. During anesthesia induction, we measured and analyzed tissue oxygen saturation, vascular occlusion test, cerebral oximetry, forearm-minus-fingertip skin temperature gradients and hemodynamic data in order to evaluate microcirculation as related to alterations in peripheral vasodilation as reflected by increased Tforearm-finger thermal gradients. During anesthesia induction, recovery slope during vascular occlusion test and cerebral oxygen saturation increased from 4.0 (1.5) to 4.7 (1.3) % s(-1) (p = 0.02) and 64.0 (10.2) to 74.2 (9.2) % (p < 0.001), respectively. Forearm-minus-fingertip skin temperature gradients decreased from 1.9 (2.9) to -1.4 (2.2) °C (p < 0.001). There was an inverse correlation between changes in the skin temperature gradients and changes in cerebral oximetry (r = 0.33; p = 0.02). During anesthesia induction, blood pressure and forearm-minus-fingertip skin temperature gradients decrease while cerebral oximetry and vascular occlusion test recovery slope increase. These findings suggest that anesthesia induction increases tissue microcirculation with peripheral vasodilation.

Efficacy of intrathecal morphine for postoperative pain management following open nephrectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intrathecal morphine (ITM) for postoperative pain control in patients with renal cell carcinoma undergoing open nephrectomy. METHODS: Forty-five patients scheduled for open nephrectomy were randomised to receive 300 µg ITM and intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (IV-PCA) (n = 22) or IV-PCA alone (n = 23) for postoperative analgesia. The numeric pain score (NPS), postoperative IV-PCA requirements and opioid-related complications including nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headache, and pruritus were compared between groups. RESULTS: NPS was significantly lower in the ITM group up to 24 h postoperatively. Upon coughing, NPS at 24 h postoperatively was 50 (interquartile range (IQR) 30-60) in the ITM group and 60 (45-70) in the IV-PCA group. Cumulative morphine consumption at 72 h postoperatively was significantly lower in the ITM group compared with the IV-PCA group (20 (9-33) mg vs. 31 (21-49) mg, respectively). Opioid-related complications were similar in both groups with the exception of pruritus (ITM, 77% vs. IV-PCA, 26%). CONCLUSIONS: ITM was associated with greater analgesia without serious complications in patients undergoing open nephrectomy.

Misplacement of left-sided double-lumen tubes into the right mainstem bronchus: incidence, risk factors and blind repositioning techniques.

BACKGROUND: Double-lumen endobronchial tubes (DLTs) are commonly advanced into the mainstem bronchus either blindly or by fiberoptic bronchoscopic guidance. However, blind advancement may result in misplacement of left-sided DLTs into the right bronchus. Therefore, incidence, risk factors, and blind repositioning techniques for right bronchial misplacement of left-sided DLTs were investigated. METHODS: This was an observational cohort study performed on the data depository consecutively collected from patients who underwent intubation of left-sided DLTs for 2 years. Patients' clinical and anatomical characteristics were analyzed to investigate risk factors for DLT misplacements with logistic regression analysis. Moreover, when DLTs were misplaced into the right bronchus, the bronchial tube was withdrawn into the trachea and blindly readvanced without rotation, or with 90° or 180° counterclockwise rotation while the patient's head was turned right. RESULTS: DLTs were inadvertently advanced into the right bronchus in 48 of 1135 (4.2 %) patients. DLT misplacements occurred more frequently in females, in patients of short stature or with narrow trachea and bronchi, and when small-sized DLTs were used. All of these factors were significantly inter-correlated each other (P < 0.001). In 40 of the 48 (83.3 %) patients, blind repositioning was successful. CONCLUSIONS: Smaller left-sided DLTs were more frequently misplaced into the right mainstem bronchus than larger DLTs. Moreover, we were usually able to reposition the misplaced DLTs into the left bronchus by using the blind techniques. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01371773.

Anaphylaxis following atropine administration during general anesthesia: a case report.

Anaphylaxis is an acute, potentially lethal, multisystem syndrome resulting from the sudden release of mast-cell- and basophile-derived mediators into the circulation. Common manifestations of anaphylactic reactions include urticaria, angioedema, nausea, vomiting, hypotension and cardiovascular collapse. Cardiovascular collapse is the first detected manifestation in up to 50% of cases in perioperative anaphylaxis, because patients are anesthetized and unable to report symptoms. A 25-year-old male presented with severe hypotension and erythema after intravenous atropine administration during general anesthesia. Postoperative laboratory findings demonstrated elevated serum tryptase and total immunoglobulin E. An intradermal test showed atropine sensitivity. Although atropine is used widely as a perioperative anticholinergic agent, it is a potential risk factor for a severe anaphylactic reaction. Therefore, prompt recognition and adequate therapeutic measures are necessary to avoid fatal consequences.

Microvascular reactivity and clinical outcomes in cardiac surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Microvascular reactivity is decreased in patients with septic shock; this is associated with worse clinical outcomes. The objectives of the present study were to investigate microvascular reactivity in cardiac surgery patients and to assess any association with clinical outcomes. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed a prospectively collected registry. In total, 254 consecutive adult patients undergoing cardiac and thoracic aortic surgeries from January 2013 through May 2014 were analyzed. We performed a vascular occlusion test (VOT) by using near-infrared spectroscopy to measure microvascular reactivity. VOT was performed three times per patient: prior to the induction of anesthesia, at the end of surgery, and on postoperative day 1. The primary endpoint was a composite of major adverse complications, including death, myocardial infarction, acute kidney injury, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and persistent cardiogenic shock. RESULTS: VOT recovery slope decreased during the surgery. VOT recovery slope on postoperative day 1 was significantly lower in patients with composite complications than those without (3.1 ± 1.6 versus 4.0 ± 1.5%/s, P = 0.001), although conventional hemodynamic values, such as cardiac output and blood pressure, did not differ between the groups. On multivariable regression and linear analyses, low VOT recovery slope on postoperative day 1 was associated with increases of composite complications (odds ratio 0.742; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.584 to 0.943; P = 0.015) and hospital length of stay (regression coefficient (B) -1.276; 95% CI -2.440 to -0.112; P = 0.032). CONCLUSION: Microvascular reactivity largely recovered on postoperative day 1 in the patients without composite complications, but this restoration was attenuated in patients with composite complications. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01713192. Registered 22 October 2012.